Understanding Acne

Acne is a skin problem that occurs when hair follicles or where hair grows are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne is characterized by the appearance of spots on several parts of the body, such as the face, neck, back, and chest.

Acne can be experienced by anyone, but generally appears at puberty, which is the age of 10-13 years. In teenage boys or who have oily skin, acne that occurs tends to be more severe.

Acne usually goes away on its own in the early 20s. However, in some cases, acne can still appear until the age of 30 years or more, especially in women.

Causes of Acne

Acne is caused by blockages in the skin pores. This blockage can result from excess sebum production by the oil glands, a buildup of dead skin, or a buildup of bacteria.

In every pore of the skin, there is a follicle consisting of oil glands and hair. The follicles in clogged skin pores can swell and form whiteheads or blackheads. If contaminated by bacteria, comedones can become inflamed and become pimples in the form of pustules, papules, nodules, or even cysts.

How to treat and prevent acne

Acne treatment is tailored to the severity of the condition. The method used can be topical medication, oral medication, or hormone therapy. It can also be done by chemical peels, laser therapy and blackhead extraction.

Although difficult to prevent, the risk of acne can be reduced by maintaining a clean face and body, adopting a healthy diet, and managing stress well.